WORKERS in Kidlington test drove electric cars as part of a new scheme to check how the vehicles will have an impact on the National Grid.

My Electric Avenue is now looking for 10 groups, or ‘clusters’, with a minimum of 10 people each to drive an electric vehicle for 18 months.

One of the first business clusters is set to be Drayson Racing Technologies, in Kidlington, where a trial took place using Nissan Leaf electric cars.

Worker Oliver Jones said: “I hadn’t driven a Leaf before but it was a pleasure.

“I think everybody was surprised. A lot of people realised electric cars do have serious performance capability.

“Some of the guys signed up and Drayson Racing is also going to use one as a company car.”

Michael Potter of Fleetdrive, a partner in the programme, was on hand to show the car to staff and guests on the day, including Red Dwarf actor and TV presenter Robert Llewellyn, who has clocked up 30,000 miles at the wheel of his own Leaf.

Mr Potter said: “The response at the test drive event was good and we had 15 people who tried the car.

“I think people have preconceived ideas about electric cars but test drives are a great way to change their minds.”

My Electric Avenue spokesman Paul Clarke added: “By September, Drayson Racing is on course to be one of the first workplace clusters in the country.”

Mr Clarke said that the cars can typically cover about 80 to 85 miles on a full charge and that there were also rapid-chargers being installed around the country that could give an 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.